traction
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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traction
The '77 250 camper special I'm working on (2x2) has absolutly no traction on snow. Has the 460 4bbl stock set up. I was wondering if I soften up the rear suspension by taking out a leaf or two if that will help the stifness and traction or should I just keep the 600lbs of sand in the back until spring?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 1999
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traction
In my opinion, leave your leafs alone and haul the weight when needed. you never kneo when the extra load capacity will come in handy. You may also consider different tires for winter, or reducing the air pressure in the tires you have. I have a F350 with a 8' pro plow hanging off the front. I need closer to 800lbs. for good traction in 2wd. But in 4wd, not much will stop it. Hope I could help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
traction
250 the problem of which you speak is an old one. Pickups are lighter on the bed end, and when coupled with that huge horse up front, your traction in snow is gonna be bad. I wouldn't deflate the tires unless you just can't go. One helpful hint put the shift selector at 2nd and start there. That shifts the tranny into second and, you don't get as much torque to the ground. That method also helps in slowing down in a slick spot.
Keep the load on, or keep it handy. If you have a front wheel drive car, use it.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
Keep the load on, or keep it handy. If you have a front wheel drive car, use it.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
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traction
I used to drive a 92 Ranger S/C 2wd. I was amazed at how it did in the snow. Once I couldn't get traction and cable chains took care of that. My 76 F100 on the other hand isn't nearly as good. However, with say 500lbs, canopy (aluminum 100lbs), and cable chains when I need them, it get's around. I drive 40'-60' transit busses for a living, and occasionally have to deal with snow in the Puget Sound area (chaos), and we rely on cable chains, they work wonders. Beware, make sure you have a snug fit, and don't abuse them by rubbing them on curbs or spinning them excessively. Broken crosscables can wreak havoc on body work. You might try putting the transmission in neutral at stops to prevent the wheels from spinning while at a stop polishing the pavement to a slippery takeoff. I've seen this happen and found that this helps when driving the big busses.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 174
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traction
I lived in Fairbanks Alaska for many years and can give you a few tips for driving on slick roads. When trying to stop, if you have an auto trans, put it in neutral and pump your brakes or your rear wheels will keep on turning and you front will lock up (hard to steer that way). Do not use knobby or mud tires, they do not work at all on snow and ice. If you can't run studded tires or chains then use all-terrain or all-purpose tires. And don't buy steel belted or nylon..they freeze, get aramid or fiberglass belted tires.
If you want to discuss it more...e-mail me.
If you want to discuss it more...e-mail me.
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